A Good Man
Carrying the Light: A quiet presence can shine more than we know.
Devotional Credit: Immeasurably More by Ray Stedman
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Today’s reflection from Ray Stedman invites us to look beyond the reputation of a man and into the inner disposition shaped by Christ within him. When Gentile believers began coming to Christ in large numbers, the church at Jerusalem wasn’t quite sure what to make of it. The Holy Spirit had broken through their cultural expectations and was moving powerfully in Antioch, and someone needed to discern whether this was of God. So they sent Barnabas.
Why him? Because he was not just sound in doctrine or well-behaved—he was a “good man,” full of the Holy Spirit and faith. The description speaks volumes, not about Barnabas’ natural personality, but about what happens when a person yields to the indwelling life of Christ. His goodness was not mere kindness; it was the fruit of a Spirit-filled, faith-walking man. He was open-hearted, encouraging, gracious, and brave enough to stand beside someone like Paul when others still viewed him with suspicion.
This devotional reminds us that the measure of spiritual influence is not charisma or credentials, but whether Christ’s life is being seen in us—through our availability, surrender, and quiet confidence in God’s promises.
✍🏼 Personalized Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I am still the One who sends vessels of grace into places no one expected Me to reach. I stirred My church to move beyond comfort zones, beyond cultural boundaries, and beyond assumptions about who could be Mine. And I am doing it still.
Barnabas did not resist Me. He rejoiced when he saw My grace at work—even in ways that surprised others. He was not driven by fear or control, but by joy and faith. That is what it means to be full of My Spirit. His goodness came not from trying harder, but from trusting deeper. It was My life, not his temperament, that produced the fruit they saw.
So I say this to you: do not disqualify yourself based on personality, past, or performance. A good man or woman is simply one in whom I dwell richly. Let Me shape your responses with gentleness. Let Me lead your steps by faith. Be willing to go where others hesitate, to embrace whom others reject, to encourage when others criticize.
Faith acts not because it feels strong, but because it trusts that I am. To walk by faith is to live as though every one of My promises is already unfolding, because in My timing, it is. Walk in step with Me. That is how others will see not merely your goodness—but Mine.
Scriptures referenced: Acts 11:22–24; Galatians 5:22–25; Romans 15:13; 2 Corinthians 5:7; John 15:4–5
🧺 Real-Life Analogy
It’s like watching someone carry a lit candle into a dark room. The person isn’t the light; they’re simply holding it. As they move, the shadows flee—not because of their strength or direction, but because the flame does what flames do. When we carry Christ within us, goodness, peace, and joy go with us—not because of who we are, but because of who He is in us.
🙏🏼 Prayer of Confidence
Father, I thank You that goodness is not something I manufacture, but something You express through me. I trust that Your Spirit within me is sufficient to guide, encourage, and speak life into others. I don’t need to be impressive or strategic—just yielded. Thank You for making me new, filling me with Your life, and teaching me to walk by faith, not by sight. In Christ, I am already made ready for every moment You place before me.